DAMAC vs Meraas
Updated October 2026
DAMAC and Meraas are both Dubai developers, but they build different kinds of place and are owned differently: DAMAC, part of the DAMAC Group and founded by Hussain Sajwani, is known for themed master communities concentrated in Dubailand such as DAMAC Hills and DAMAC Lagoons, while Meraas is part of Dubai Holding Real Estate and builds low-rise waterfront and urban destinations such as City Walk and Bluewaters. Both build off-plan in Dubai under the same Dubai Land Department rules.
DAMAC and Meraas side by side
| Compared | DAMAC | Meraas |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Property developer (master communities and residential towers) | Master developer (waterfront and urban destinations) |
| Ownership | Part of the DAMAC Group, founded by Hussain Sajwani | Part of Dubai Holding Real Estate |
| Home market | Dubai | Dubai |
| Style | Themed master communities concentrated in Dubailand, and residential towers | Low-rise, design-led waterfront and urban destinations rather than standalone towers |
| Main projects | DAMAC Hills, DAMAC Hills 2, DAMAC Lagoons, DAMAC Sun City, DAMAC Riverside, DAMAC Islands | City Walk, Bluewaters, La Mer, Dubai Design District, Madinat Jumeirah Living, The Acres |
| Registration and buyer protection | Dubai Land Department: project registration, escrow account and Oqood registration for off-plan | Dubai Land Department: project registration, escrow account and Oqood registration for off-plan |
| Rating on RealtyReview.ae | Not yet rated | Not yet rated |
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Key differences between DAMAC and Meraas
- Ownership: DAMAC is part of the DAMAC Group, founded by Hussain Sajwani; Meraas is part of Dubai Holding Real Estate.
- Style: DAMAC builds themed master communities concentrated in Dubailand and residential towers; Meraas builds low-rise waterfront and urban destinations — City Walk, Bluewaters, La Mer — rather than standalone towers.
- Where they build: DAMAC's master communities are concentrated in Dubailand; Meraas's destinations are spread across Dubai.
- Both are Dubai developers, so DLD registration, escrow and Oqood apply to either.
Which should you choose?
Choose DAMAC if…
- You want a themed master community in Dubailand, such as DAMAC Hills or DAMAC Lagoons.
- You like amenity-led, resort-style communities.
Choose Meraas if…
- You want a low-rise, design-led destination such as City Walk, Bluewaters or La Mer.
- You prefer a developer that is part of Dubai Holding Real Estate.
Buying off-plan from either? Read our guide to buying off-plan in the UAE and see how other developers compare in the best real estate developers ranking.
Frequently asked questions
Is DAMAC or Meraas better?
Neither is better in general. DAMAC is known for themed master communities in Dubailand; Meraas, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, builds waterfront and urban destinations such as City Walk and Bluewaters. Compare the specific project, its payment plan and completion date, and read buyers' reviews of each.
Where does DAMAC build?
DAMAC's master communities are concentrated in Dubailand and include DAMAC Hills, DAMAC Hills 2, DAMAC Lagoons, DAMAC Sun City, DAMAC Riverside and DAMAC Islands.
Where does Meraas build?
Meraas's destinations include City Walk, Bluewaters, La Mer, Dubai Design District, Madinat Jumeirah Living, Jumeirah Bay Island and The Acres.
Who owns DAMAC and Meraas?
DAMAC is part of the DAMAC Group, founded by Hussain Sajwani; Meraas is part of Dubai Holding Real Estate.
How do I check an off-plan project from either developer?
For either, confirm the project is registered with the Dubai Land Department and has its own escrow account, pay only into that escrow account, register your purchase in Oqood, and read the Sale and Purchase Agreement for the completion date, the late-handover remedy, the payment plan and service charges before you sign.
Sources
- DAMAC: About DAMAC (formation year and founder)
- DAMAC: Our communities (the master communities and their launch years)
- Dubai Land Department: Register a project (escrow for off-plan sales)
- Meraas: About us (part of Dubai Holding Real Estate)
- Meraas: Master developments (the fourteen listed above)
- Dubai Holding: Real estate sector (lists Meraas as one of its master developers)